Mr. Chris Bester - Long Serving Staff Member

Mr. Chris Bester joined the PNBHS teaching staff in March 1999, when he was appointed to a full-time position as a teacher of Social Studies and Geography. He quickly forged a reputation as a highly organised and very committed teacher. In addition to his classroom teaching responsibilities, Mr. Bester has held a range of leadership positions within the Social Sciences department, where he has taken responsibility for administrative tasks in both Social Studies and Geography and in doing so made a significant contribution to his colleagues. He is always very willing to share and his approach to all aspects of his teaching has consistently been collaborative and cooperative.

Mr. Hugh Drake, the Head of the Social Sciences department, shared these comments about Mr. Bester:

“Chris is well qualified and a very knowledgeable social scientist and specialist Geographer. He is HIGHLY organised and very efficient.  Any tasks he was required to undertake are ALWAYS completed promptly, thoroughly and efficiently. He is a hard worker and the consummate professional. It was these attributes that saw him appointed to undertake a leadership role within the Department with responsibility for a range of administrative tasks.  

He has a good sense of humour and has used this effectively to form positive relationships with students and staff.

Chris was an early adaptor of technology in his teaching and has created a huge number of resources that he has willingly shared with his colleagues. He is passionate about the practical aspects of his teaching and is always keen to be part of field trips to provide ‘hands on’ examples for students.

Change is one of the constants in education and Chris has made many well thought out and valuable contributions to curriculum review and the creation of NCEA and junior assessment tasks and examination papers. He has also served as the Secretary of MGTA – the Manawatū Geography Teachers Association - for many years, extending his influence and support beyond just his teaching colleagues at PNBHS.” 

Throughout his time at PNBHS Mr. Bester has been heavily involved in our co-curricular programme. He served as the Teacher in Charge of Squash for many years. In this position, he was responsible for all aspects of organising the sport and oversaw a period of time in which Squash at Palmy Boys’ was very strong. He has also assisted with Tennis as a team manager and has been the field judge at the annual PNBHS Athletics Championships for many years. He has also had a long involvement with the Year 10 Outdoor Education programme and has organised and run the Whanganui River Cycle, Venture Lodge and Raukawa camps.

We thank Mr. Bester for his service to Palmerston North Boys’ High School and wish him all the best for his retirement. 

Mr. Bester was farewelled at assembly by the Rector, Mr. Bovey.